Chet Allen Wiitala, 65, of Evanston, passed away at home on May 26, following a cardiac event.
Chet was born June 9, 1960, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and was raised in Toivola, Michigan. He graduated from Jeffers High School in 1978 and soon after moved with his family to Gillette.
On May 30, 1981, Chet married Phyllis Niemi in Gillette. They have three children: Ryan Lee, Fawn Marie, and Allen James. The couple later divorced. On July 14, 1991, Chet married Debra Moore in Evanston. They had one son, Brian James.
Chet worked in the oil industry while in Gillette, and later for Chevron and the Wood Group in Evanston. He was known for his generosity, quick wit, energetic personality and infectious laugh. He enjoyed his 1955 Chevy, riding his Harley, hunting, fishing and watching the Detroit Red Wings and the NY Buffalo Bills.
Chet was preceded in death by his wife, Debra; son, Brian; parents, James and Lorna Wiitala; parents-in-law, Brian and Dorothy Conway; and father-in-law, Gene Moore.
Chet is survived by his children, Ryan, Fawn, and Allen Wiitala of Painesdale, Michigan; siblings, Chad and Christopher Wiitala of South Range, Michigan; Carol Maki (Clint) of Toivola, Michigan; and Carrie Wiitala-Lindgren (Reid) of Rozet; daughter-in-law, Desiree Wiitala of Sheridan; nine grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Two celebrations of life will be held: Thursday, July 16, at 3 p.m. at the Bear River Ponds Community Center & Pavilion in Evanston, and Aug. 14, at 4 p.m. at the VFW Range Lounge in South Range, Michigan.
